The Split Stream Big Band

Outside of his position as Artistic Director for Jazz at New York Youth Symphony, Andy has also led his own “Split Stream Big Band” since 2009. A stylistically flexible 10-15 piece ensemble, the group has premiered over 20 original works by Clausen, inspired by the orchestrations of Gil Evans, the rhythmic cycles of Gamelon music, and the harmony of Igor Stravinsky.

Winning the Gerald Wilson Award for Jazz Composition from The Monterey Jazz Festival, Clausen’s compositions and his “Split Stream Big Band” have been hailed by the New York Times as “sleek, dynamic large-group jazz, a whirl of dark-hued harmony and billowing rhythm…The intelligent sheen of Mr. Clausen’s writing was as striking as the composure of his peers…It was impressive, and not just by the yardstick of their age.”